gawky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈgȯ-kē How to pronounce gawky (audio)
gawkier; gawkiest
Synonyms of gawky
: awkward, clumsy
a gawky adolescent
gawkily
ˈgȯ-kə-lē How to pronounce gawky (audio)
adverb
gawkiness noun
gawky noun

gawkiness

2 of 2

noun

gawk·​i·​ness
-kēnə̇s, 
-kin-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being gawky

Synonyms of gawky

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Adjective

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Examples of gawky in a Sentence

Adjective the stiff, gawky gait of a newborn colt
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Mull had his laconic delivery and blonde mustache; Flaherty was tall and gawky, a human Adam’s apple. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024 Played in full, Silent Way induces a pervasive nausea, reveling in gawky soundscapes that seem barely able to contain their outsized, clashing ideas. — Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026 Crenshaw made fun of Davidson’s gawky stature and then called for respect for all veterans as well as first responders in the 9/11 attacks — one of whom was Davidson’s father. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 Somehow, McCarthy’s assurance makes these clichés seem new again, donning them as naturally as O’Connell’s gawky bellboy wearing an old-fashioned red cap. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gawky

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

gawk entry 1 + -y entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gawky was in 1759

Rhymes for gawky

See All Rhymes for gawky

Browse Nearby Words

gawkish
gawky
gawm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gawky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gawky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gawky

adjective
ˈgȯ-kē How to pronounce gawky (audio)
gawkier; gawkiest
: awkward sense 2, clumsy
gawkily
-kə-lē How to pronounce gawky (audio)
adverb
gawkiness
-kē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gawky

Nglish: Translation of gawky for Spanish Speakers

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